Lawmakers came together this month to pass an education budget that provides needed investments for students and educators. After months of delays and missed deadlines, the budget provides positive improvements for our schools in some areas while falling short in others. A $10,050 foundation grant. Continued student mental health support and free school meals. A [...]
The 2026 Michigan state budget that resulted from last-minute negotiations spilling into the new fiscal year works out to be a net positive for public education, according to an initial MEA analysis. Educators from across the state held steady pressure on lawmakers to help break the months-long budget stalemate, including several dozen who descended on […]
The following statement can be attributed to MEA President & CEO Chandra Madafferi regarding the Legislature’s passage of the 2025-26 education budget: “While overdue and still with areas of concern, the education budget for this school year is finally complete and makes important investments in the success of Michigan’s students and the educators who serve […]
On Thursday night, word came in Lansing that a budget deal was reached for the state’s new fiscal year that starts this Wednesday, Oct. 1. Related to that deal, the House passed several revenue enhancing bills for road funding. Details about what is in the education budget for preK-12 and higher education are unknown as […]
UPDATE 9/26: On Thursday night, word came in Lansing that a budget deal was reached for the state’s new fiscal year that starts this Wednesday, Oct. 1. Related to that deal, the House passed several revenue enhancing bills for road funding. Details about what is in the education budget for preK-12 and higher education are [...]
Plan now to join MEA and AFT Michigan for an education funding lobby day in Lansing next Wednesday, Sept. 24. With the budget deadline looming, we need union members and supporters in Lansing to tell lawmakers to fund our schools, including critical programs like free school meals and mental health supports. Our students deserve to […]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor UPDATE 9/16: Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 24 in Lansing for an Education Budget Lobby Day — RSVP now! A deep dive into the state budget passed by Michigan House Republicans shows their aim is to cut $1.4 billion from schools and $1.6 billion from other state programs to boost […]
Survey results highlight need for House Bill 6058 to be signed into law without further delay In a statewide MEA survey, 80% of Michigan public school educators who responded said they have been paying more out-of-pocket health care costs since January, with the average increase at $2,400 more per year. The survey results highlight the […]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor Despite uncertainty from lack of a state budget, educators in a number of Michigan school districts spent their spring and summer securing solid wins in contracts that underscore the importance of union expertise, cohesion and leadership. Latest from Lansing The state House and Senate still have failed to agree […]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor The nation’s first federal school voucher scheme was tucked inside the tax cuts and spending plan that Republicans in Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed into law on July 4. Last-minute changes require states to opt-in to participation — which adds even more significance to 2026 mid-term elections […]
